(PS11-B32) Motives for Restricting Emotion Expression: Differential Impacts on Perceived Support for Black and White Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a form of assaultive trauma associated with poor mental health and social isolation. Existing research suggests that intentional, top-down efforts to inhibit the expression of both positive and negative emotion may contribute to interpersonal difficulties among survivors (Clapp et al., 2014). However, reasons for inhibiting expression and the consequences of this behavior may vary as a function of culture, particularly for women exposed to IPV (e.g., Waller et al., 2022). Stereotypes of Black women as invariably independent and resilient – while seemingly empowering – have been identified as problematic within the context of seeking and receiving assistance, and may lead Black women to avoid expressions of vulnerability and/or cue feelings of guilt in response to perceived violations of expected roles. As a result, the consequences of restricting expression of positive and negative emotion due to vulnerability-, acceptance-, and guilt-related concerns could differ for Black versus White survivors of IPV. The current project examined the extent to which associations between reasons for inhibiting expression and reported support from family, friends, and significant others differ by race in women exposed to IPV.

Participants were help-seeking women (N = 114 ; Black = 47.4%; White = 52.6%) receiving assessment for symptoms related to IPV. Women were not involved with abusive partners at the time of the interview. Reasons for inhibiting the expression of both positive and negative emotions (0 = never, 4 = most or all of the time) were assessed separately using single-item scales targeting vulnerability- (Showing emotions means that I am vulnerable), acceptance- (Others will not accept or understand how I feel), and guilt-related (I feel guilty for having these emotions) concerns. Support from family, friends, and significant others were assessed using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Moderating effects of race on the relation between reasons for inhibition and perceived support were tested in a series of regressions.

Analyses identified detrimental effects of restricting positive expression due to guilt- (β = -.46, p = .031), acceptance- (β = -.48, p = .029), and vulnerability-related (β = -.71, p = .001) concerns on friend, significant other, and family support, respectively, across successive analyses. Race, however, moderated the impact of restricting negative expression due to vulnerability- (β = -.40, p = .039) and acceptance-related (β = -.59, p = .003) motives in the model for family support. For Black women, restriction of negative expression due to vulnerability concerns was associated with increased perceived family support (β = .59, p = .008) while inhibition due to acceptance concerns negatively impacted support (β = -.60, p = .007). No effects for vulnerability or acceptance motives were observed for White participants (all p ≥ .149).

 
Results suggest that internalized stereotypes may lead Black women to expect more positive responses for presenting as invulnerable, while withholding for fear of non-acceptance may increase feelings of isolation. Effects provide insight into paths for culturally-sensitive intervention targeting support for Black survivors of IPV.